Robots.Video: Rat-Brained Robot

Ed Okerson was the
first of many robots.net readers who sent links
to a NewScientist story about the rat-brained robot from the
Univserity of Reading. Instead of the usual silicon-based embedded
controller, this robot sports a carbon-based unit made up of 300,000 rat
brain neurons. The mini-brain lives in a jar of nutrients and
antibiotics. A multi-electrode array (MEA) feeds sensor information into
the brain and
transports control signals out of the brain to the motors. Unfortunately,
the brain is growing so bored that it's exhibiting bursts of
seizure-like activity. "Like a creature with no limbs or senses, the
cut-down brain is simply bursting out of boredom". While the rat
brain may not be enjoying life much, the scientists are having a blast
and suggest the research may help them understand Alzheimer's,
Parkinson's, epilepsy,
and other diseases caused by malfunctioning neurons. For more, see the
BBC story
and video, the Slashdot
discussion, or original University
of Reading press release. Update: Roland Piquepaille just posted about this robot as well.